CyprusSteeped in history and unique in that it remains politically divided from the Turkish-controlled north by a “green line” United Nations buffer zone, the island of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean offers archetypical seaside resort holidays spiced with some serious sightseeing. Crusader castles overlook busy tourist beaches, and ancient legends echo through secluded coves. Mysteriousmore prehistoric ruins and classical Roman temples entertain coach parties from the modern resort hotels, and lively towns and cities bustle with holiday crowds.

TOP TIPS - Miscellaneous

For car hire in Cyprus, go directly to Petsas Rental. Probably cheaper and they are professional. - so

TOP TIPS - Things to do

The Aquarium in Protaras/ Paralimini is disappointing. Lots of interesting fish but the tanks are old and grotty. No wonder the place was empty. Spend the €22 elsewhere. - so

Bad experience with Cyplon Hols, London - Anonymous. Date of travel: Jun 2008We enjoyed Cyprus but had a problem with the Tour Operators that we booked our car rental with. We booked a car via Cyplon Hols., Green Lanes, London to be picked up in Protaras Cyprus on 23 June, 2008. All seemed straighforward at the booking stage but no car appeared at the hotel. This has been put down to a problem in their computer system. We finally had a car delivered 1/2 a day late after 2 mobile phone calls to the UK, paying for internet and running around Protaras in the 33ºC heat attempting to find the Company. It caused alot of inconvenience and stress at the time. I am primarily trying to recuperate the material costs but the MD is really unprofessional (Believe me, I have examples). I would not want anyone else to experience this inappropriateness.

Pafos Town for historic experience - Kathleen. Date of travel: Jan 2008Pafos town has great restaurants overlooking Kato Pafos nightlife area, and sea beyond. It also has great museums, tavernas, antique shops and Old Town Bazaar. We had a very lovely holiday!

I loved Cyprus so much. Protaras rocks! - Clara Porteous. Date of travel: May 2006Cyprus is full of wonderful things to do, sights to see and people to meet. Learning Greek before hand is not neccessary as nearly everyone speaks some level of English, but people are grateful if you attempt some Greek. The only word you really need is krasi (wine)! I have been to Cyprus twice now and both times I have stayed in Protaras because its perfect. Protaras is not as lively as the neighbouring Ayia Napa but offers many good things to travellers. It has watersports, bars, beaches, shops and the wonderful church Ayios Elias, meaning Saint Elias. This offers breathtaking views of Protaras and the distant and deserted Famagusta. Its well worth a visit! Take a boat trip to Cape Greco if you are in this area of the island. You can swim in the beautifully blue water and take a trip to the green line separating the island on this trip. Also, if you like adventures and you aren't too scared of heights, I advise you to go on a jeep safari up the Troodos mountains. These are fun, memorable, and slightly scary days out which you wont ever forget. If you take any advise from me, be it that you explore this island's beautiful culture and that you get to know some of its welcoming people. You wont regret it.

Dave Simmonite. Date of travel: Dec 2005As with many others it was our first time in Cyprus and all in all have to say the four of us that travelled were pleasantly surprised. Although Paphos is well spread out we found there to be plenty of shops restaurants and bars to suit all age groups. We hired a car from Europecar near Land of the Kings Hotel and found them to be very reasonable for the 5 days and the car looked as if it had been well maintained too. We travelled to Polis, Omodos, Limassol and many other villages in the mountains, definately recommend Omodos for localised gifts especially the red wine which is pressed and brewed in the Village - not bad Â£2 a bottle either. Also visited Nicosia and that was well worth the 2 hour drive especially going through into the Turkish side, seeing the no-mans land and the general decay that has taken place since the mid 70's. Tour Operator: Thomson

Eve Sinclair. Date of travel: Sep 2005We stopped in Peyia and had a wonderful time. We wanted something a bit special as we were celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary and we were not disappointed, the accommodation was top class with fabulous views of the Med. We enjoyed many an evening relaxing with a bottle of the local wine watching the sun set.
Hot footed it into Coral Bay for some cocktails at Coral Sunset bar having just had a gorgeous meal at Andreas restaurant.
Peyia also offered us some lovely tavernas where we enjoyed the odd Meze and also all you can eat indian buffet at the popular Sophie's restaurant.
We have already booked again for next year! Tour Operator: www.avabreak.com

Christine. Date of travel: Aug 2005This was my first holiday to Cyprus and it was brilliant! We stayed in Protaras and we stayed in Odessa Hotel. The hotel was right next to Flamingo beach and was also right next to shops, bars, restaurants e.c.t! The food was absolutely outstanding at the hotel but for evening meals there is a dress code - men must wear trousers!! (no shorts allowed) Protaras alone is a very stunnning place. It is very hot and because we were next to the SEA there wern't many mosquitoes by our hotel, although I did get bitten by something but I'm not sure what exactly!! Overall a fantastic place + hotel. I reccommend it to absolutely everyone!!!

Cyprus Rocks - Susan Green. Date of travel: Jul 2005Cyprus is a wonderful place with a colorful culture and places of outstanding natural beauty which makes it an ideal vacation destination for almost everyone. You can stay at one of its world-famous seaside resorts and enjoy a splendid time here.

EMMA DARBY. Date of travel: Mar 2005This was my fourth visit to Protaras. As ever the weather was fantastic. Days are spent lazing on the glorious sandy beaches. Beaches are excellent and the sea is clear blue; many watersports on offer. Nightlife tends to centre around the many bars,several being lively or if you want more going on then Ayia Napa is only a short taxi ride away. The resort itself suits most people. Restaurants are plentyful, each serving of variety of cuisine. Tour Operator: THOMSON

Izzie. Date of travel: Aug 2004Paphos.
Aprox 20 mins transfer too & from the airport, Nice quietish resort with plenty of restuarants to suit everyones. lots of shops + a indoor market, good selection of lively bars and clubs all within walking distance to the harbour with good waterfront restuarants. theirs also a waterpark and watersports. the local buses are the cheapest way to get about, if getting taxis confirm the price before you get in otherwise the prices could change.
Tour Operator: Mytravel

lin holford. Date of travel: Aug 2004We stayed in Coral Bay which is approximately 10/15 min drive to Paphos. The resort is very small and compact with only a sprinkling of shops but some excellent
restaurants. The beach is very clean and safe with a couple of beach tavernas and
offers many watersports. A resort to relax but with nearby Paphos to hand if needed. Tour Operator: First Choice

Elaine Selby, Dan Hemmings. Date of travel: Sep 2003This was my second holiday to Cyprus and I'm always telling people what a wonderful place it is! We went on a Thomsons Gold holiday, which meant it was just for adults - nobody under the age of 16 - fantastic! We stayed in the Tasia Maris, which is located by Nissi Beach. The weather was glorious and we were very pleased with our accommodation. Our room was carpeted and spotlessly clean. The food was always hot and varied. The entertainment was brilliant and all geared at adults. We would definitely recommend this hotel and would certainly stay there again! Tour Operator: Thomsons

Jayne Hanks. Date of travel: May 2003It was our first visit to Cyprus, and it will not be our last. From the start it was truly amazing. We stayed at the Tsokkos gardens in the Pernera area of Protaras, well situated just a short walk approximately a mile from Fig Tree bay. The hotel was fantastic, excellent accommodation, great pools, lovely food and service, nothing was ever too much trouble. The weather was amazing for the 14 glorious days we were there. The local people were so friendly, and we made lots of friends whilst there, mainly local people. We ate at our hotel morning and evening, but during the day we found a tiny little cafe just off the coastal track to Protaras, just literally a very small beach hut with a large grass area and tables, chairs and umbrellas to shelter us from the mid day sun, where we relaxed and was served excellent food from very very friendly waiters. After a few days they knew us, welcomed us and treated us like lords and ladies. We sat there for a couple hours midday and enjoyed good wine wonderfully cooked food and just watched the world go by, sooooo relaxing. The sea at Fig Tree bay was like warm bath water, and so good for snorkelling. We did lots of exploring the local area. The bus service was very good; just a little rattly! We went to Nicosia and fell in love with the city and have promised ourselves another visit soon. Troodos and the area is very beautiful and worth a visit, walking is a great way, stopping off at tavernas which just appear out of nowhere! Again the local people are so friendly and helpful. Our time there was too short and we loved every minute of it. We did so much during our time there that I could go on forever. All I can say is if you have never been there, bite the bullet and try it, you will not be disappointed I promise. Tour Operator: My Travel